The study section includes a study (12) on Premna serratifolia L. on nanoparticle synthesis and anticancer activity.

Premna odorata Blanco is an accepted name

Premna is a small hairy tree, 3 to 8 meters high. Leaves are ovate to broadly ovate, 10 to 20 centimeters long, with broad, rounded, or somewhat heart-shaped base, and pointed tips. Under surface of the blade is usually covered with short hairs, aromatic when crushed. Flowers are greenish-white or nearly white, 4 to 5 millimeters long and borne on terminal inflorescences (cymes) 8 to 20 centimeters in diameter. Fruit is fleshy, dark purple, rounded, about 5 millimeters in diameter.

· In the Philippines, sugared decoction of leaves with a little “calamansi” as tea helps loosen up phlegm and effective for coughs.

· Decoction of fresh leaves used for vaginal irrigation.

· Decoction of leaves for fever and colds, cough and bronchitis, fever blisters of the lips and stomachaches.

· “Kochoi,” a local patent preparation, is claimed to benefit tuberculosis.

· Decoction of leaves used for flatulence (gas pains) in adults; in children, crushed leaves mixed with a little coconut or sesame oil are applied to the abdomen.

· Crushed leaves applied to forehead and temples for headaches.

· Leaf decoction has been used for tuberculosis.

· Roots are chewed and the saliva swallowed for cardiac troubles.

· Infusion of leaves is carminative.

· Decoction of roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits used as sudorific, pectoral, and carminative.

· Decoction of shoots used as parasiticide.

· Decoction of leaves used for bathing infants; also used as treatment for beriberi.

· Extract of leaves for cleaning wounds and for ticks and fleas.

· Leaves applied over the bladder facilitates urination.

Other uses

• Pito-pito:

Leaves are one of the seven ingredients of the popular herbal Filipino tea blend – alagaw, banaba, bayabas, pandan, manga, anis and cilantro. (See: Pito-Pito)

• Ethno-Veterinary / Fumigation:

Dried leaves and bark used for fumigation of poultry houses, reportedly effective for getting rid of lice and ticks. (11)

New uses

• Decoction of leaves and flowering tops used as vaginal wash or douche; antiseptic properties make it useful for cleansing and incorporation with bath-care products.

Proven Scientific studies on premna

• Collagen Network / Acetoside:

Study of methanol extract of leaves of Premna odorata exhibited a promotion of collagen network formation by M cells and isolated acetoside, an phenylethanoid with a variety of biological activities. Acetoside may contribute to wound healing. (1)

A study of 155 extracts from 93 species of plants in Malaysia screened for in vitro photo-cytotoxic activity using a human leukemia cell line, P odorata was one of 29 plants that was able to reduce in vitro cell viability by more than 50% when exposed to broad spectrum light. (3)

• Hepatoprotective / Cytotoxic Activity:

Study showed the alcoholic extract with significant hepatoprotective activity evidenced by decrease of serum enzymes, bilirubin and lipid peroxidation, comparable to drug silymarin. It also exhibited significant in-vitro cytotoxic activity. Results showed the alcoholic extract not only as an effective hepatoprotective agent, but with also significant antitumor activity. (4)

• Antiparasitic Activity:

In a study of 18 medicinal plants in New Caledonia evaluated in vitro against several parasites, Scaevola balansae and Premna serratifolia were the most active against Leishmania donovani. (5)

• E. Coli Inhibitory Activity:

Various extracts were tested against E. Coli. A 100% ethanol bark extract showed activity against E. coli, while aqueous extract concentrations were inactive against E. coli. However, the inhibitory activity could not compete with ciprofloxacin. (7)

• Diosmetin / Acacetin:

Study of leaves isolated diosmetin and acacetin. Diometin has been commercially available as the glycoside diosmin, used as a vasotonic agent for the treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids and other venous diseases.